With reference to the procedure for altering the name of a State in India under Article 3 of the Constitution, consider the following statements:

1. A Bill seeking to alter the name of a State can be introduced in either House of Parliament only on the prior recommendation of the President.
2. The views expressed by the concerned State Legislature regarding the proposed name change are legally binding on Parliament.
3. An amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution consequential to a name change requires a constitutional amendment under Article 368 with a special majority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

**Answer**: (a) 1 only

**Explanation**:

* **Statement 1 is correct**: Under Article 3, a Bill proposing to alter the name of any State can be introduced in either House of Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President.
* **Statement 2 is incorrect**: Before introducing the Bill, the President refers it to the concerned State Assembly for its views within a specified period. However, Parliament is not bound by the views or recommendations of the State Legislature.
* **Statement 3 is incorrect**: Under Article 4 of the Constitution, laws made under Article 3 (including changes to the First Schedule) are passed by a simple majority and are not deemed to be amendments to the Constitution for the purposes of Article 368.

**Question 2** Consider the following statements regarding the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR):

1. It is currently the largest tiger reserve in India by area.
2. The reserve is located in the Nallamala Hill ranges, an offshoot of the Western Ghats.
3. The River Krishna flows through the gorges of this tiger reserve.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

**Answer**: (c) 1 and 3 only

**Explanation**:

* **Statement 1 is correct**: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is the largest tiger reserve in India in terms of total surface area.
* **Statement 2 is incorrect**: The NSTR is spread over the Nallamala hill ranges, which form a part of the **Eastern Ghats**, not the Western Ghats.
* **Statement 3 is correct**: The River Krishna cuts through the core area of the reserve, forming steep gorges and valleys.

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